Melanoma Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Melanoma, including details on identification, causes, prevention, treatment.

Malignant melanoma and HIV infection -- aggressive course despite immune reconstitution.

Hoffmann C, Horst HA, Weichenthal M, Hauschild A

II. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany.

BACKGROUND: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has altered the course of most AIDS-related malignancies. There is some evidence that cellular immunity plays an important role in the progression of metastatic melanoma. CASE REPORT: We report on a patient suffering from metastatic melanoma and HIV infection. The 53-year-old man received HAART in order to use both its anti-tumor efficacy and its stimulating effect on cellular and humoral immune functions. Furthermore, our patient was treated with interleukin-2, a drug which has shown efficacy in metastatic melanoma and HIV infection. RESULTS: Although the CD4 and CD8 cell count increased significantly, a fulminant progression of melanoma in the liver and spleen was noted, and the patient died subsequently. CONCLUSION: This case describes that neither immune reconstitution through HAART nor interleukin-2 treatment were able to lead into an anti-tumor response. HIV-infected patients should be monitored routinely for an early diagnosis of this potentially lethal disease.

Published 17 January 2005 in Onkologie, 28(1): 35-7.
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